Shoestring tops made me feel self-conscious...

I remember always wanting to wear shoestring tops, I loved the look of them on other women yet I felt so self conscious just at the thought of wearing one myself.

Strange I know...could that feeling even be a thing? Well, yeap it was for me.

As a teenager I covered up, head to toe in clothing - that was the trend back then and thank god it was too, as I suffered from really bad acne on my back and chest. I was covered and I really didn’t like this about myself. Good ole teenage hormones. Yet because of this, it took some time to get used to wearing certain things as I got older.

Would people think I’m trying to be someone I’m not... Yet it was just a damn top. Would I look like I was trying too hard... Yet it was just a damn top. Who am I to want to wear something more feminine.... Yet all along, it was just a damn top.

But that damn top is what held me back, but it also challenged me to try something that I’d never worn before, yet always dreamed of. Isn’t it funny how something so small can seem like such a big deal in our own minds.

What is something that may seem like it shouldn’t be a big deal yet it is for you? Are you willing to give it a go and keep giving it a go until it becomes normal? If there is something, I want to encourage you too just go for it.

Maybe it’s wearing that bikini, Maybe it’s that bright colourful dress that’s just sitting there, Starting that new hobby, that excites you when you think about it, Or simply saying ‘Hi’ to that person...

While you sit there with these made up ideas of yours (don't worry you're not alone in these ideas), You’ll stay in the same place, feeling the same way, wishing for the same thing.

Your confidence will only grow if you step into that space (or that outfit, or situation) first... Confidence comes once you’ve decided and then taken the action on it...

Now, I wear these tops all the time. My back is even one of my favourite parts of my body. I don't even think about wearing these tops anymore. It's no longer a thing for me. Because it was just all in my head.

I can think of so many other 'top' scenarios in my life, but you get the point.

Take that small thing (yet BIG thing) by the balls 

No matter how scary it may feel for you, No matter how much it could make you shake in your boots, And just do it. Take that first step, then another...until you are able to take those steps with confidence and not a worry in the world.

You got this!

P.S Are you in AUCKLAND? Or know someone who is? I'm coming that way at the end of this week. Thursday to Saturday.

I'm working on my book 'Still, She Rises' And have made time for some extra sessions while I'm there. With a few more spaces still available.

If having a portrait of yourself whether for yourself personally or for business, is something you've always wanted to own, then let this be your chance.

I will go easy on you and will take good care of you. I know it's not an easy thing to have a portrait taken - I've been there before myself. It feels like someone is stepping into your personal space.

I also know that directing you throughout the whole experience is important and it's something all my clients have enjoyed about working with me. It's my job to take a good portrait of you, it's not your job to know what to do, how to pose, when to smile etc.

So if you're NOT feeling ready to have your portrait taken, then now is the PEFECT time. Trust me.

The more nerves you have around something, the more energy, the more effort you will bring to it. And the more you will surprise yourself and unveil what's been hiding only inches beneath where you are now.

I invite you to be photographed by me. Let me guide you to see YOU...